How to Delete a Folder with a Special Name (ie COM1)
Issue
There is a folder on your server that has the name of a reserved system device (such as COM1, PRN, or CON). You need to delete the folder but are unable to.
Cause
Because the folder has the same name as a reserved system device, Windows gets confused when trying to browse or navigate the folder.
Resolution
This resolution assumes that the folder is located at C:\System Volume Information\COM1 and you would like to rename it to TEMP, explore its contents, and then delete it.
Rename the Folder
- Open up a command prompt.
- Type:
ren "\\.\C:\System Volume Information\COM1" TEMP
Reset the Permissions on the Folder
- Open up Windows Explorer and right-click on the folder. Select Properties.
- Click the Security tab and then click the Advanced button.
- On the Permissions tab, click Add.
- Click the Locations button and select the local computer and then click OK.
- Under Enter the Object Name, type Administrators and click OK.
- Click Allow next to Full Control. Then check Apply these permissions and then click OK.
- Check Replace the permission Entries box and then click OK, then YES, and then OK.
Explore the Folder
You may now browse the folder via Windows Explorer.
Delete the folder
-
Open up a command prompt.
-
Type:
rmdir "\\.\C:\System Volume Information\TEMP" /S /Q
- The folder will now be deleted.
Article ID: 435, Created: April 9, 2012 at 3:30 PM, Modified: August 28, 2014 at 10:10 AM